Strikes and lockouts are largely an action of last resort in collective bargaining in New Zealand. When they do happen, they often gain the attention of the public and the media because of the disruption they can cause.
Making international news in New Zealand are the refuse collectors in Edinburgh as they go back to work to collect 12 days of rubbish accumulated on Edinburgh streets during their strike. If matters are not resolved, further strikes are set to start again in a few days time and the rubbish heap will grow again.
Our own Fire and Emergency (FENZ) firefighters have taken to the street. It is understood that FENZ received 22 calls in total across the country during the one hour strike by professional firefighters, but luckily there were no serious incidents.
Firefighters have been striking for better pay, increased staffing levels, increased mental health support and safer work procedures. They say they have felt unheard and stressed out over low staff levels that see them work overtime with unreliable fire trucks and equipment.
The Deputy National Commander of FENZ Brendan Nally, said it was disappointing the union had escalated strike action, despite a “substantial new pay offer which would see base salaries for all firefighters increase by between 8% and 19% over the next two years”. He said the organisation is “fully committed to trying to reach a settlement” but that over 13 months of negotiations, including 29 days of bargaining and three days of mediation, the union had not significantly moved from its position.
On the domestic front, the nation’s toilet paper supply is said to be under threat by the union. After a series of strikes, around 150 staff have been locked out of the Essity mill in Kawerau for the last few weeks as industrial action heats up there. It is New Zealand's only domestic toilet paper producer, with brands such as Purex, Sorbent, Libra and Handee. Currently, we are being advised that we won’t be “caught short”. Read more...